Short answer: Lubbock County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Lubbock tracts. The Texas FAIR Plan is the fallback for homes no voluntary insurer will take.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Lubbock area (Lubbock County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Lubbock County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Lubbock County
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Lubbock County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Lubbock County
Since 1970, Lubbock County has been part of 10 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (5), hurricane events (2) and severe ice storm events (1). The most recent: Severe Winter Storms, 2021, Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding, 2016, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and Flooding, 2015 and Hurricane Alex, 2010. FEMA also lists 8 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Playa lakes and flash floods
According to the City of Lubbock, most of its flood zones are next to the playa lakes and the Canyon. The playas work together as a system of detention basins, and when one overflows, the water runs to the next one downstream. That overflow path is also mapped as floodplain. The city says it's prone to short, intense storms. It recorded 7.8 inches of rain in 24 hours in September 2008, and several places topped 7 inches over three days in July 2010.
Lubbock's flood rules and discount
Lubbock takes part in the NFIP, so anyone in the city can buy flood insurance. Through the Community Rating System, the city says floodplain property owners get a 15% discount and some owners outside the floodplain may get 5%. New or substantially improved buildings must sit at least 12 inches above the top of the curb. Development Engineering keeps elevation certificates for floodplain buildings and will give out copies on request.
More for Lubbock policyholders
Lubbock is well inland of the TWIA area. If voluntary insurers decline, the Texas FAIR Plan Association can write residual homeowners coverage through an agent (TDI overview).
Lubbock's stormwater drains to playa lakes; homes near playas can flood in intense storms—check the MSC.
Auto: 30/60/25
TDI: 30/60/25 minimum.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lubbock in the TWIA area?
No; it uses voluntary insurers or the Texas FAIR Plan.
What auto liability does Texas require?
30/60/25.
Does a Lubbock homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.